President Donald Trump’s pledge to “get rid of and totally destroy” the Johnson Amendment — a law that prohibits faith-based organizations and its leaders from engaging in political advocacy from the pulpit — has renewed debate about the limits of free speech in a church.

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Trump criticized the 1954 law in remarks he gave at the National Prayer Breakfast Thursday morning in which he quoted Thomas Jefferson and made reference to the freedom to worship.

"That is why I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution,” Trump told the audience.

The amendment named after the senator who introduced it, Lyndon B. Johnson, ensures that nonprofit groups like think tanks and religious organizations remain non-political or risk losing their tax-exempt status.

Christian groups that have long advocated for its repeal cheered Trump’s remarks, but the idea isn’t bullet proof as some have pointed out: only Congress can repeal the law — not the president.

The remarks were soon followed by a flurry of reactions from all sides. There are those who welcome more free speech within religious organizations, such as the endorsement of political candidates, and then there are those who believe there should remain a separation between church and state.

The conversation about political advocacy by religious organizations is in the news now, but not a new one. As with any election cycle, the issue surfaced in last year’s presidential race.

A Catholic parish stirred controversy in San Diego, for example, when it published and distributed a bulletin saying that “it is a mortal sin to vote Democrat” and that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was influenced by Satan.

What do you think — should the Johnson Amendment be repealed, allowing nonprofit groups the freedom to become more politically involved? Join the conversation: Send me your thoughts privately via email or send me a message on Twitter.